David Sumner Harrigan, Sr., Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force (Ret.)

David Sumner Harrigan, Sr., Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force (Ret.), 87, of Hernando, FL, passed away with his family by his side at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, Hudson, FL, on March 28, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1937, to the late John and Marjorie (Harris) Harrigan, in Springfield, MA.

David met his wife, Jean, early in life, they were thirteen years old when they met, and he was literally the boy next door. They spent 67 wonderful years together.

He was an educated man having attended the University of Massachusetts obtaining his Master’s Degree, and being one semester shy of obtaining his Doctorate Degree when he got the call from the U.S. Air Force. David served our country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, serving for 26 years. He enlisted as an Airman at 18 years old and worked his way up to Lt. Colonel and retiring afterwards. He received many medals and commendations while in the service: Conduct Medal; AF Longevity Service Ribbon with five Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; and the Vietnam Campaign Medal just to name a few.

After retiring from the military, David went to work for Martin Marietta in Colorado for the next ten years. He also, worked for them under top clearance at Cape Canaveral on the Space Shuttles. He retired from there and went to Grand Lake, CO. David and Jean came to Citrus County 2 ½ years ago from California to be closer to their daughter.

He loved the lake and outdoors life. He was an avid tennis player. He loved coaching his children in sports as they grew up. He coached them in softball, football, and baseball. His sons received baseball scholarships and one even went on to the professional league. He not only volunteered his time, but he was a charitable man having been affiliated with numerous charities during his lifetime. He believed in helping others when you’re able.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, Jack Harrigan. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jean C. Harrigan of Florida; sons: David Harrigan Jr., and wife, Dixie of Colorado; Daniel Harrigan of Indiana; his daughter, Donna Harrigan of Florida; 4 grandchildren: Hunter Harrigan, Brandon Harrigan, Victoria Lunsford, Connor Lunsford; 4 great grandchildren: Hudson Harrigan; Jaxon Harrigan, Tylor Norton; and Trenton Norton.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11:00A.M. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, with honors provided by the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard. Family and friends may gather at 9:00A.M. at the Chas, E. Davis Funeral Home prior to leaving in procession for the cemetery at 10AM.